Disclaimer: You know the drill. See previous chapters.
The songs quoted are the property of others. I had a difficult time identifying who wrote the songs as most information I found related to who sang them. In the case of Vince Gill, the two might be the same, but I'm not sure of the others. Suffice it to say, I don't write songs or even poetry.
I sacrificed some detail in the wedding scene. My chapters are just too long. I'm sure that nobody is as fascinated as I am with the minutia of a wedding ceremony.
Col. Farrow is a fascinating character to me. Watch "People v. Mac" to see some sizzle there. If TPTB really never want Harm and Mac together, bring back that man for our Marine. By the way, I NEVER saw Mac act with the tenderness or passion that she used with either Farrow or Chris when she was with Brumby. Disagree? Point me to an episode. I'll entertain other perspectives.
Chapter 8
BLAST OFF
1930 ZULU
Naval Observatory Washington, DC
In the chapel
Sergei escorts Sarah Rabb, wearing a lilac chiffon gown, down to the front of the church and seats her.
Sergei returns and escorts Trish down the aisle to seat her. Alex follows pushing Frank in a wheelchair. Trish waits in the aisle while Alex scoops Frank into his arms and seats him next to Sarah. He then takes the wheelchair back down the center aisle while Sergei seats Trish on the aisle. Francesca sits smiling at Alex as he walks back down the aisle and he winks at her. Meredith catches the wink and looks over at her.
Francesca: I'm saving him a dance.
Meredith: Is that all?
Francesca: I hope not.
Alex and Sergei slide into the second pew from the outside aisle.
The organist begins to belt out "Trumpet Voluntary" by Clarke on the pipe organ. Joining in is a brass section from the Marine Corp Band.
Chaplain Turner leads the procession of men from the side door. He's followed by Harm and Sturgis, both in dress white uniforms. Bud and Jack Keeter stand at attention at the outside aisles along the front pews. Bud is on the groom's side, so that he has a perfect view of Harriet; Jack is on the bride's side with a perfect view of Harm.
Harm stands at the right front of the church, meets his mother's gaze, smiles at Frank, and winks at Sarah. Harm glances up at the balcony as the trumpeter perfectly executes the trills of "Trumpet Voluntary". "I couldn't even get a Marine barber yet Mac gets a brass section from the band," Harm thinks. His eyes return to the center aisle.
Chloe walks slowly down the aisle.
Harriet follows with a serene smile. She smiles at Bud as she reaches the front of the church.
Little AJ waits for his mother to reach the front of the chapel. When she nods to him, AJ purposefully marches down the aisle, clutching the pillow with the rings tied on with ribbons.
Harm stands with his hands clasped in front of him, loosening them only to give AJ the "thumbs up."
AJ reaches the front of the chapel, pivots like a drilled sailor and stands between Harm and Sturgis.
The organist strikes the first notes of Wagner's Wedding March.
All eyes return to the back of the chapel as Sarah MacKenzie, tough Marine lawyer, begins her glide down the aisle on the arm of the Navy JAG, Rear Admiral AJ Chegwidden. The Admiral smiles and makes eye contact with a number of guests: Webb, Tiner, Gunny, Francesca, Meredith, Frank, Trish, and Sarah.
Mac's eyes stare straight ahead locked with the eyes of a tall, handsome Commander. The guests surrounding them have ceased to exist as the Colonel and the Commander have only eyes for each other.
When the Admiral and Mac reach the front of the church, the Admiral takes Mac's hand that has clutched his arm and places it on Harm's extended arm. Harm reaches over with his right hand, now wearing the infamous Naval Academy ring, and squeezes Mac's right hand. He then returns his hand to his side.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God to witness the joining of this woman to this man." Chaplain Sturgis begins.
One more now recites the timeless ceremony from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, the ceremony that has united couples for centuries.
"If anyone can show just cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."
Jack Keeter pivots ever so slightly to catch Sturgis' eye and wink.
The ceremony continues. Vows are made.
I, Harmon, take thee, Sarah, to be my lawfully wedded wife."
I, Sarah, take thee, Harmon, to be my lawfully wedded husband.."
And so on.
"With this ring, I thee wed. And with all my earthly goods, I thee endow."
" With this ring, I thee wed. And with all my earthly goods, I thee endow."
Then Chaplain Turner says:
And now, by the power invested in me by the District of Columbia and by the United States Navy, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Harm flashes that flyboy smile in a way that has never been so dazzling. Mac's hands reach up, Harms arms encircle Mac's slender body, and all those guests disappear again for about twenty seconds.
Harm and Mac turn and face the congregation. Harriet hands Mac her bouquet of white gardenias, blue iris, and ivy. Chaplain Turner says:
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce for the first time, Commander and Mrs. Harmon Rabb, Jr.
The organist pulls out the stops and lets it rip with the Mendelssohn's Wedding March as the recessional.
When they reach the back of the church, Harm grabs Mac and plants another kiss on her.
Harm: Hello Mrs. Rabb.
Mac: Hello. Do you mind telling me what you did with my flyboy?
Harm: What do you mean?
Mac: By that haircut, I could swear I just married a Marine!
Harm: Do you like it?
Mac: It's a new look for you, kind of sexy.
Harm: The Admiral did it. We were trying to cover the bald spot where my stitches are.
Mac: So what do I have to do to get you to keep it?
Harm: We can negotiate, Counselor.
2200 ZULU
Ballroom at the Senators' Hotel Washington, DC.
The guests and bridal party are finishing dinner. The band members are getting ready to play.
A man steps up to the microphone
"My names is Joe Scarpone. The name of our band is The Apothecaries. We're named that because we are all pharmacists which is how we pay our bills. Being musicians is how we have our fun. The good news is that if the music is killing you, we can actually give you some drugs! We usually only play in the deep south, but the very pretty matron of honor persuaded us that this was a wedding we wouldn't want to miss. We're proud to be a part of a wedding of two members of our Armed Services. For our first number, in honor of the bride and groom, there's a medley of some oldies that we'd like to play"
The band begins to play. Harm leads Mac out on to the dance floor. He takes her in his arms. Joe steps up to the mike and begins:
My Prayer is to linger with you. At the end of the day In a dream Far away.
My prayer and the answer you give, May they still be the same, For as long as we live
That you'll always be there At the end of my prayer
Admiral: Harriet was right. These guys are good. Did Harm take dancing lessons or something? He's never looked that good on the dance floor.
The band swings in to "Unchained Melody"
Oh, my love, my darling, I've hungered for your touch A long, lonely time.
Time goes by so slowly And time can mean so much Are you still mine?
I need your love I need your love Godspeed your love To me
Joe: Being from the South, we like country music. This next song is a dedication from the groom to his mother. It's an early Garth Brooks number.
Trish walks out on to the floor as Mac exits.
The band begins;
Looking back on the memory of The dance we shared 'neath the stars above For a moment all the world was right How could I have known that you'd ever say good-bye.
And now I'm glad I didn't know. The way it all would end, the way it all would go Our lives are better left to chance; I could have missed the pain But I'd have had to miss the dance.
At this point, a surprise guest escorts Mac on to the floor. The second verse begins as a surprised Mac dances with her mentor and former lover, Col. John Farrow.
Holding you, I held everything For a moment, wasn't I a king? But if I'd only known how the king would fall Hey, who's to say you know, I might have changed it all
A third couple arrives on the floor, Grandma Rabb and Sergei.
My life is better left to chance I could have missed the pain. But I'd have had to miss The Dance.
Yes our lives, are better left to chance We could have missed the pain. But we'd have had to miss The Dance.
Col. Farrow walks with Mac over to Harm. Farrow shakes Harm's hand.
Farrow: She's picked a good man, Harm.
Harm: Thank you, sir.
Farrow: Mac, you be happy (kisses her on the forehead).
Chloe: Harm?
Harm: Yes, sweetie?
Chloe: It's time for our dance.
Harm: What are we doing?
Chloe: You'll see.
Band: I understand that there's a joke about pilots and their wings. Is that true?
Crowd laughs.
Band: Well, we have a song for all the pilots. So, if you're a pilot, come on up here. If you can get somebody to dance with you, bring him or her up too.
Harm, Keeter, Admiral Boone, and Sergei all walk up and stand in front of the band. A few more pilots join the group.
Band: Chloe, are we ready?
Chloe: We're ready.
Band: It's the "Chicken Dance"
I don't want to be a chicken I don't want to be a duck So I just shake
Audience: My big fat butt
I don't want to be a chicken. I don't want to be a duck So I just shake.
Frank Burnett grabs his handkerchief to wipe the tears because he's laughing so hard. The pilots were being good sports with Chloe, but the ballroom is consumed by laughter.
Meredith: AJ, why are you laughing so hard?
AJ: Look at Tom Boone! He'd die if he knew how undignified he looks!
Meredith: AJ, I'm going to the ladies room. Francesca, would you care to come with me?
Francesca: What's that about?
Meredith: I want you to go over to the band and request a song for Admiral Chegwidden from his fiancée. Then tell them it's the Bunny Hop!
Francesca: Oh, Meredith, he'll never do it.
Meredith: You leave that to me.
The band slowed things down and the dance floor filled up. Webb, of course, escorted the lovely Elizabeth Perkins out on to the floor and danced a perfect "Cha Cha" number to Frankie Avalon's "Venus". AJ and Meredith danced. Tiner and Jennifer, Sturgis and Bobbi Lathom were entwined for several songs. Victor and Gloria led the whole floor doing the Electric Slide. Bud and Harriet danced several slow dances, with AJ between them. As soon as the next set of slow songs began, Alex reached for Francesca's hand. Alex and Webb seemed to have a little competition going to see which one was the better dancer. Francesca didn't seem to notice Webb's dancing at all. She was noticing Alex; Alex's eyes never left her face.
Francesca: Do you like American oldies?
Alex: I like a variety of music.
Francesca: Are you familiar with any of this music?
Alex: With you in my arms, I could be dancing to drum beats of a jungle tribe in Indonesia.
Francesca: I'll bet you say that to all the girls.
Alex: I'll bet I don't.
The band kicked into an instrumental set of Big Band tunes, including a Glenn Miller medley.
AJ: Meredith, let's go. Let's show these kids how this is done.
Meredith: Okay.
Tom Boone: Trish, think I could take Frank's place on the dance floor with you?
Trish: Frank?
Frank: Go ahead, sweetie. It's Harm's wedding! Dance!
The trumpet blasted out the first few bars of "In the Mood".
AJ and Meredith and Tom and Trish jitterbugged all over the dance floor. The couples in their twenties and thirties looked on in astonishment as these two couples were joined by several couples in their sixties and seventies who just were swinging all over the place. Then, of course, not to be outdone, Clayton Webb grabbed Betsy and had a go at it. Webb even picked her up and swung her down between his legs.
Mac: Careful of that dress, Webb.
Harm: What are you talking about?
Mac: He'd better not swing her around too much, she's liable to pop right out of that dress.
Harm: And they said our wedding wouldn't be memorable!
Joe the bandleader stepped up to the mike.
Joe: Admiral Cheg----widden, did I get that pronunciation right? Well Admiral, we've had a request for a special song for you from your fiancée. Since you had so much energy on that jitterbug number, you'll be ready for this one. The rest of you can join us here. Just form a line.
Admiral: I don't line dance.
Joe: I'll bet you're from the era that had sock hops.
Admiral: So?
Joe: Ready guys?
The band begins to play the "Bunny Hop"
Admiral Chegwidden shakes his head "NO". Meredith puts her hands on his hips and says, "Lead, Sailor"
Being an uncharacteristically good sport, Admiral leads one circle of the Bunny Hop, especially after his namesake gets in line behind Meredith. How many dances can kids do at a wedding?
Bandleader: This is an anonymous request for a "Sexy Beast" I hope we can do it justice without a female singer.
Nobody does it better Makes me feel sad for the rest Nobody does it half as good as you Baby, you're the best.
I wasn't looking But somehow you found me I tried to hide from your love light But like heaven above me The spy who loved me Is keeping all my secrets safe tonight
And nobody does it better Though sometimes I wish someone could Nobody does it quite the way you do Why'd you have to be so good
The way that you hold me Whenever you hold me There's some kind of magic inside you That keeps me from running But just keep it coming How'd you learn to do the things you do
And nobody does it better Makes me feel sad for the rest Nobody does it half as good as you Baby, baby, darling you're the best.
Baby you're the best.
Once again, Clayton Webb led the dancing, never letting on that the song was for him
Mac: Harm, did you request that song?
Harm smiles.
Mac: Webb and Betsy or Elizabeth or whatever she's called at this function look very comfortable together, don't you think?
Harm: Look at the way he's looking at her.
Admiral: Harm, you used to look at Mac like that and assured us that you were just friends.
Harm: I looked like that?
Harriet: You looked more moonstruck than that.
Bud: Check out Alex and Francesca. There's some heat!
Admiral: I beg your pardon?
Bud: What I meant to say, sir, is that I'm sure they are warm from dancing so much.
Admiral: Why can't she like an American?
Harm: Want me to introduce her to Keeter?
Admiral: No aviators.
Mac: I think John Farrow is still here.
Admiral: I'm beginning to develop a taste for vodka.
Harm: She prefers a military lawyer like her father. Isn't that preferable to an Italian businessman like her stepfather?
Admiral: Good point, Rabb. Her mother will hate him.
Meredith: Her stepmother-to-be likes him. I have it on very good authority that she's very interested in him.
Admiral: Where do you get your facts?
Meredith: From your daughter.
Harriet: Mac, it's time to toss the garter and the bouquet. Harm, let's go.
Mac sits on a chair in the middle of the dance floor. Harm gets down on one knee beside her.
Keeter: Better get used to that position, Hammer. You'll be begging for the rest of your life.
Everyone laughs.
Mac has pushed the garter down below her knee. Harm takes it off and prepares to throw it to the group of assembled bachelors behind him.
Harm: Okay, we have two engaged men in this group. Let's see if I can hit one of them.
Sergei and AJ line up toward the front. Harm turns around.
Harm: Three, two, one, BLASTOFF!
Harm tosses the garter. Admiral Chegwidden tips it toward Sergei, but Keeter reaches in at the last minute to propel it back into the air. The entire group backs away as the garter lands...on Clayton Webb's head. Webb had turned his back on the group to answer his cell phone. He reaches up and pulls a garter off his head. He looks at it, smiles, and slides it up his sleeve above his elbow.
Admiral: Mr. Webb, something you're not telling us?
Webb: So many things I'm not telling you. (Smiles).
Harriet: Okay, let's throw the bouquet and see who's the lucky girl to be married next.
Mac picks up the throwaway bouquet.
Mac: Ready girls? Meredith, how's your catch?
Meredith: I'm on the faculty softball team!
Mac: Ready? Three, two, one, BLASTOFF!
Meredith tries to catch the bouquet but trips over Galena who's also reaching for it. Diving to the ground as the bouquet almost hits the ground is.....Francesca.
Admiral: What?
Francesca lands with a thud. Alex immediately scoops her up off the floor, carries her to a chair, and begins checking her for injuries.
Bud: He's chivalrous.
Harriet: Strong.
Bud: Attentive.
Harriet: Smitten.
Bud: Okay, I think we've about covered that one.
The Admiral walks over and speaks.
Admiral: Francesca, whatever possessed you to dive for that catch?
Francesca: You taught me to love baseball, Papa`. You wouldn't want me to miss a catch like that one, would you?
Admiral mutters to himself: The bouquet or the guy?
Francesca: Either one, Papa`, either one. (Smiles)
Harm and Mac return to the dance floor as the band begins to play. Frank wheels his wheelchair out with Trish following. Frank stops the chair and pulls his wife on to his lap. He moves the chair slowly, dancing with his wife.
Trish: Frank I don't want to injure you.
Frank: Stay to one side and keep the pressure off the stitches. We'll be fine.
The band plays and Joe sings:
Look at us After all these years together Look at us After all that we've been through Look at us Still leaning on each other If you wanna see how true love should be Then just look at us
Look at you Still pretty as a picture Look at me Still crazy over you Look at us Still believing in forever If you wanna see how true love should be Then just look at us
In a hundred years from now I know without a doubt They'll all look back And wonder how We made it all work out.
Chances are We'll go down in history When they wanna see how true love should be They'll just look at us
When they wanna see how true love should be They'll just look at us.
The room exploded in applause as Frank kisses his bride and Harm kisses his.
Harm: Sarah?
Mac: Hmm?
Harm: When do we get to leave?
Mac: After we cut the cake.
Harm: Where's the knife?
Harm turns and signals Harriet to tell the band to stop playing so that they can cut the cake.
The band plays soft background music.
Harm and Mac cut the first piece of cake, place it on a plate, and cut it in half. Harm takes the carrot cake and carefully slides it into Mac's open mouth. She grabs his fingers and licks the icing off.
Harm: I'm ready to leave NOW.
Mac: It's my turn.
Harm: Be gentle.
Mac: Right.
Mac picks up the cake, and as she's trying to put it in Harm's mouth, Sturgis and Keeter shout "Boo" from behind Mac's back. She startles and pushes the cake into Harm's nose.
Harriet grabs a stack of napkins and hands them to Mac. Mac begins wiping Harm's face, trying to keep from laughing.
Harm: I owe you two. It'll be sweet too, I promise. If either one of you bozos can even get CLOSE to an altar, I will be there with revenge as a wedding gift.
Harm walks over the mike: Everybody, thank you for making today so special. Thank you each for the part you've played in our lives. Since it's time for us to open a new chapter in our lives, we think we'll get started now.
Mac: Bye!
Harriet whispers something in Mac's ear and Mac nods.
Harm and Mac walk down the hall and enter the elevator. The doors close and they embrace passionately.
Mac: Harm, somebody might get on.
Harm: No way. I pressed Express to the penthouse.
Mac: Still, you told me I could surprise you.
Harm: That I did. Okay. What's a few more minutes added to seven YEARS?
Harm opens the hotel room door.
Mac: Do NOT pick me up. The doctor said no lifting.
Harm: Mac.
Mac: Harm, I need you to do me a favor.
Harm: Anything.
Mac: Can you give me a couple of minutes to get out of this gown?
Harm: I can help you and it'll only take me a few seconds.
Mac: Harriet's coming up to help me.
Harm: Harriet?
Mac: Please don't ruin my surprise.
Harm: Okay, I'm a little sweaty from all the dancing. How about if I take a quick shower? Will that give you enough time?
Mac: Perfect.
Harm: Kiss me first.
Mac: Go.
Harm opens his sea bag and takes out a pair of silk pajama bottoms.
Harm: I'll be in here if you need me.
Mac: I'll call you if I do.
Harm closes the bathroom door.
Mac rushes to the door and opens it to Harriet carrying a bag and a fruit basket.
Mac: Fruit?
Harriet: Some bellhop gave it to me while I was waiting in the hall. I wouldn't let him knock on the door.
Mac: Who sent us fruit and champagne? Is there a card?
Harriet: No card. Maybe it's from the hotel. Let me get going on those hundred buttons.
Harriet quickly undoes Mac's gown while Mac unbuttons the sleeves.
Harriet: Are you leaving those on (eyeing Mac's strapless bra and tap pants)?
Mac: Well, I'm not taking them off in front of you.
Harriet: Afraid I'll see the infamous tatoo?
Mac: We've got to hurry. He won't take much longer. Get the fabric and wrap me up.
Harriet removes the gold lame` fabric from the bag and wraps Mac in it.
She then removes a length of red ribbon with a huge bow tied at one end.
Harriet: Why can't you just wear a nightie like every other bride?
Mac: Sturgis' dad told us to make the honeymoon a gift.
Harriet finishes tying the bow so that the fabric stays up.
Harriet: I'm out of here. You're on your own, Marine.
Mac: Harriet, take my gown. Send it to the cleaners on Monday.
Harriet grabs the gown and rushes out of the room
Harm: Can I come out now?
Mac: You sure can.
Harm walks out and sees Mac wrapped up like a Christmas present.
Harm: Well, Merry Christmas, Harm. Come here, you sweet thing.
Mac: That would be ideal, but Harriet wrapped me so tight that I can't move.
Harm: I guess I'll just have to unwrap you.
Mac: That would be the general idea.
Harm begins to walk toward her when something catches his eye.
Harm: Mac?
Mac: Yes?
Harm: Where did that basket come from?
Mac: That, oh, Harriet brought it in with her. Some bellhop was delivering it.
Harm walks past Mac and over to the basket. He tears through it, removes the label from the bottle of champagne and reveals a bug.
He holds his finger to his lips and hold up the bug with the other hand. He walks into the bathroom speaks loudly into the bug.
Harm: This is what I think of your ploy, whoever you are.
He flushes the bug down the toilet.
Mac giggles. He returns to her and slowly begins to untie her and unwind the ribbon. He throws the ribbon at the chair. Then he gently pulls one end of the fabric as Mac spins until the fabric falls to the floor. Mac reaches up to Harm and he pulls her to him when suddenly he stops.
Mac: What?
Harm puts his finger to his lips.
He walks over to the desk, pulls out a pad and pen and writes "Trust me?"
Mac nods.
Harm grabs Mac's trenchcoat, puts it on her, and walks her to the door. He looks back, picks up the ribbon and stuffs it in the pocket of his jacket. He walks back to the desk and picks up a hotel stationery envelope. He grabs both suitcases and carefully opens the door so as not to make a sound. They enter the service elevator rather than the express elevator. The doors close.
Mac: What are we doing?
Harm: I'm not taking the chance of putting on a show, sound or otherwise, for anyone.
Mac: You found the bug.
Harm: You don't think there are more?
Mac: We are never going to get this job done.
Harm: Yes we are, or I'm going to die trying. Press the button for the 3rd floor.
Mac: Why?
Harm: Because we're going down the steps from there. If someone is bugging us, they may be watching us. I don't want to go through the lobby.
Harm pulls out a pocketknife, cuts a length of ribbon, scribbles a note on the ribbon, and puts it in the envelope.
Mac: What are you doing?
Harm: Sending a note to the good chaplain.
Mac: What does it say?
Harm: That's between the chaplain and me.
The elevator stops and the two walk toward the stairs. Harm stops and puts the envelope in the old-fashioned mail slot to go down to the main desk.
They descend the stairs and walk out into the parking lot.
Harm tosses the keys to Mac.
Harm: You drive. I'm not cleared to drive yet.
Mac: Where to?
Harm: Home.
Mac: Which home?
Harm: Our home.
Mac points the car toward the farm.
0300 ZULU
Rabb Farm Loudin County, Virginia
Harm's Lexus pulls up to the darkened farmhouse. Mac parks the SUV and the two get out and walk in step up the porch steps. Harm unlocks the front door, scoops Mac into his arms and carries her across the threshold.
Mac: You could hurt yourself.
Harm: No I can't. I was born to do this.
He carries her to the bedroom, switches on the light, and notices a note on the bed. He drops Mac on the bed, picks the note up, and reads aloud:
The sheets are clean. I knew you'd come here. May tonight be the beginning of your dreams coming true. Love, Grandma
Mac sings: Fly me to the moon!
Harm croons: Off we go, into the wild blue yonder
Mac: The Air Force? Yuk!
SCENE FADES OUT.
29 March 2003
1100 ZULU
Harm is lying in bed staring into space. Mac is nestled with her head on his shoulder, sleeping peacefully. She begins to stir.
Harm: Good morning, Sarah Rabb.
Mac: Good morning. This wasn't all a dream, was it?
Harm: You can pinch me anywhere you want, or I can pinch you. I need to get my watch to see what time it is.
Mac: It's 0614.
Harm: I wonder what time we have to meet Webb.
Mac: I think at 1030, why?
Harm: Just planning my morning. Are you hungry?
Mac: I think for the first time that I'm actually satiated.
Harm: I love it when you talk that way.
Mac: I'd like to get a shower.
Harm: Lead on, Marine.
Mac: Really?
Harm: The Navy does some of its best work under the water. Don't you Marines pride yourselves in being capable of amphibious operations?
Mac: Guess you'll have to find out.
SCENE FADES.
1430 ZULU
Harm is dressed in a pair of jeans and a white cotton sweater. His hair is wet from the shower. Mac is in the bathroom.
Harm punches a phone number into his cell phone.
The call is picked up
Webb: Webb.
Harm: Good morning, Clayton. I trust you had a profitable evening.
Webb: Hello, Mother. Why don't you tell me where you are so that I can call you right back? I'm in the middle of something.
Harm: I've been called many things, Webb, but never Mother.
Webb: Well, you know how it is.
Harm: We're at the farm. We didn't think your bug was funny last night.
Webb: I'm not knowledgeable about that type of insect, Mother. We'll have to call an exterminator. I'll call you back in a few minutes. I love you too.
Harm: Well, that was weird.
Mac: What?
Mac walks into the room. She's wearing jeans, boots, and a taupe ribbed turtleneck.
Harm: Something has happened. Webb was calling me "mother" as if he didn't want anyone to know he was talking to me. We need to wait for his call.
Mac's cell telephone begins to chirp.
Harm: Don't answer it until you look at the caller ID.
Mac: It's Webb.
Mac answers the phone: Colonel MacKenzie, I mean Rabb.
Harm smiles.
Mac: Yes. No, we don't have a TV out here. Was anyone hurt? Okay. We'll wait here. Okay, then in the barn. See you in an hour. Bye.
Harm: What happened?
Mac: Our hotel room blew up at midnight last night. The people in two rooms below us were killed. The bomb was under the bed with a pressure trigger.
Harm: Who got on the bed?
Mac: No one, there was a back up timer that timed out.
Harm: So somebody tried to kill us. Who?
Mac: If you hadn't made me leave -. Let's get out of here. Make the bed and gather up our stuff. We're supposed to hide in the barn until Webb gets here. He wants us out of here ASAP.
Harm: Does my mother know?
Mac: Everybody thinks we're dead. I'm sure Webb will tell your mother when he can. They are doing DNA checks to see what parts of us they can find.
Harm: Gives new meaning to "Blast Off".
Mac: Let's go. I'll move the car.
Harm: I hope he brings us some breakfast. I feel like I've run a marathon.
Mac: Your race with me is just beginning, babe.
THE END
Author's Note: If I get enough reviews/requests, I'll write Part II. I have a minimum threshold number of reviews in mind. This takes too much time if nobody reads it. Some ideas are spinning around in my JAG obsessed mind. So many interesting characters; so little time.
The songs quoted are the property of others. I had a difficult time identifying who wrote the songs as most information I found related to who sang them. In the case of Vince Gill, the two might be the same, but I'm not sure of the others. Suffice it to say, I don't write songs or even poetry.
I sacrificed some detail in the wedding scene. My chapters are just too long. I'm sure that nobody is as fascinated as I am with the minutia of a wedding ceremony.
Col. Farrow is a fascinating character to me. Watch "People v. Mac" to see some sizzle there. If TPTB really never want Harm and Mac together, bring back that man for our Marine. By the way, I NEVER saw Mac act with the tenderness or passion that she used with either Farrow or Chris when she was with Brumby. Disagree? Point me to an episode. I'll entertain other perspectives.
Chapter 8
BLAST OFF
1930 ZULU
Naval Observatory Washington, DC
In the chapel
Sergei escorts Sarah Rabb, wearing a lilac chiffon gown, down to the front of the church and seats her.
Sergei returns and escorts Trish down the aisle to seat her. Alex follows pushing Frank in a wheelchair. Trish waits in the aisle while Alex scoops Frank into his arms and seats him next to Sarah. He then takes the wheelchair back down the center aisle while Sergei seats Trish on the aisle. Francesca sits smiling at Alex as he walks back down the aisle and he winks at her. Meredith catches the wink and looks over at her.
Francesca: I'm saving him a dance.
Meredith: Is that all?
Francesca: I hope not.
Alex and Sergei slide into the second pew from the outside aisle.
The organist begins to belt out "Trumpet Voluntary" by Clarke on the pipe organ. Joining in is a brass section from the Marine Corp Band.
Chaplain Turner leads the procession of men from the side door. He's followed by Harm and Sturgis, both in dress white uniforms. Bud and Jack Keeter stand at attention at the outside aisles along the front pews. Bud is on the groom's side, so that he has a perfect view of Harriet; Jack is on the bride's side with a perfect view of Harm.
Harm stands at the right front of the church, meets his mother's gaze, smiles at Frank, and winks at Sarah. Harm glances up at the balcony as the trumpeter perfectly executes the trills of "Trumpet Voluntary". "I couldn't even get a Marine barber yet Mac gets a brass section from the band," Harm thinks. His eyes return to the center aisle.
Chloe walks slowly down the aisle.
Harriet follows with a serene smile. She smiles at Bud as she reaches the front of the church.
Little AJ waits for his mother to reach the front of the chapel. When she nods to him, AJ purposefully marches down the aisle, clutching the pillow with the rings tied on with ribbons.
Harm stands with his hands clasped in front of him, loosening them only to give AJ the "thumbs up."
AJ reaches the front of the chapel, pivots like a drilled sailor and stands between Harm and Sturgis.
The organist strikes the first notes of Wagner's Wedding March.
All eyes return to the back of the chapel as Sarah MacKenzie, tough Marine lawyer, begins her glide down the aisle on the arm of the Navy JAG, Rear Admiral AJ Chegwidden. The Admiral smiles and makes eye contact with a number of guests: Webb, Tiner, Gunny, Francesca, Meredith, Frank, Trish, and Sarah.
Mac's eyes stare straight ahead locked with the eyes of a tall, handsome Commander. The guests surrounding them have ceased to exist as the Colonel and the Commander have only eyes for each other.
When the Admiral and Mac reach the front of the church, the Admiral takes Mac's hand that has clutched his arm and places it on Harm's extended arm. Harm reaches over with his right hand, now wearing the infamous Naval Academy ring, and squeezes Mac's right hand. He then returns his hand to his side.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God to witness the joining of this woman to this man." Chaplain Sturgis begins.
One more now recites the timeless ceremony from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, the ceremony that has united couples for centuries.
"If anyone can show just cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."
Jack Keeter pivots ever so slightly to catch Sturgis' eye and wink.
The ceremony continues. Vows are made.
I, Harmon, take thee, Sarah, to be my lawfully wedded wife."
I, Sarah, take thee, Harmon, to be my lawfully wedded husband.."
And so on.
"With this ring, I thee wed. And with all my earthly goods, I thee endow."
" With this ring, I thee wed. And with all my earthly goods, I thee endow."
Then Chaplain Turner says:
And now, by the power invested in me by the District of Columbia and by the United States Navy, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Harm flashes that flyboy smile in a way that has never been so dazzling. Mac's hands reach up, Harms arms encircle Mac's slender body, and all those guests disappear again for about twenty seconds.
Harm and Mac turn and face the congregation. Harriet hands Mac her bouquet of white gardenias, blue iris, and ivy. Chaplain Turner says:
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce for the first time, Commander and Mrs. Harmon Rabb, Jr.
The organist pulls out the stops and lets it rip with the Mendelssohn's Wedding March as the recessional.
When they reach the back of the church, Harm grabs Mac and plants another kiss on her.
Harm: Hello Mrs. Rabb.
Mac: Hello. Do you mind telling me what you did with my flyboy?
Harm: What do you mean?
Mac: By that haircut, I could swear I just married a Marine!
Harm: Do you like it?
Mac: It's a new look for you, kind of sexy.
Harm: The Admiral did it. We were trying to cover the bald spot where my stitches are.
Mac: So what do I have to do to get you to keep it?
Harm: We can negotiate, Counselor.
2200 ZULU
Ballroom at the Senators' Hotel Washington, DC.
The guests and bridal party are finishing dinner. The band members are getting ready to play.
A man steps up to the microphone
"My names is Joe Scarpone. The name of our band is The Apothecaries. We're named that because we are all pharmacists which is how we pay our bills. Being musicians is how we have our fun. The good news is that if the music is killing you, we can actually give you some drugs! We usually only play in the deep south, but the very pretty matron of honor persuaded us that this was a wedding we wouldn't want to miss. We're proud to be a part of a wedding of two members of our Armed Services. For our first number, in honor of the bride and groom, there's a medley of some oldies that we'd like to play"
The band begins to play. Harm leads Mac out on to the dance floor. He takes her in his arms. Joe steps up to the mike and begins:
My Prayer is to linger with you. At the end of the day In a dream Far away.
My prayer and the answer you give, May they still be the same, For as long as we live
That you'll always be there At the end of my prayer
Admiral: Harriet was right. These guys are good. Did Harm take dancing lessons or something? He's never looked that good on the dance floor.
The band swings in to "Unchained Melody"
Oh, my love, my darling, I've hungered for your touch A long, lonely time.
Time goes by so slowly And time can mean so much Are you still mine?
I need your love I need your love Godspeed your love To me
Joe: Being from the South, we like country music. This next song is a dedication from the groom to his mother. It's an early Garth Brooks number.
Trish walks out on to the floor as Mac exits.
The band begins;
Looking back on the memory of The dance we shared 'neath the stars above For a moment all the world was right How could I have known that you'd ever say good-bye.
And now I'm glad I didn't know. The way it all would end, the way it all would go Our lives are better left to chance; I could have missed the pain But I'd have had to miss the dance.
At this point, a surprise guest escorts Mac on to the floor. The second verse begins as a surprised Mac dances with her mentor and former lover, Col. John Farrow.
Holding you, I held everything For a moment, wasn't I a king? But if I'd only known how the king would fall Hey, who's to say you know, I might have changed it all
A third couple arrives on the floor, Grandma Rabb and Sergei.
My life is better left to chance I could have missed the pain. But I'd have had to miss The Dance.
Yes our lives, are better left to chance We could have missed the pain. But we'd have had to miss The Dance.
Col. Farrow walks with Mac over to Harm. Farrow shakes Harm's hand.
Farrow: She's picked a good man, Harm.
Harm: Thank you, sir.
Farrow: Mac, you be happy (kisses her on the forehead).
Chloe: Harm?
Harm: Yes, sweetie?
Chloe: It's time for our dance.
Harm: What are we doing?
Chloe: You'll see.
Band: I understand that there's a joke about pilots and their wings. Is that true?
Crowd laughs.
Band: Well, we have a song for all the pilots. So, if you're a pilot, come on up here. If you can get somebody to dance with you, bring him or her up too.
Harm, Keeter, Admiral Boone, and Sergei all walk up and stand in front of the band. A few more pilots join the group.
Band: Chloe, are we ready?
Chloe: We're ready.
Band: It's the "Chicken Dance"
I don't want to be a chicken I don't want to be a duck So I just shake
Audience: My big fat butt
I don't want to be a chicken. I don't want to be a duck So I just shake.
Frank Burnett grabs his handkerchief to wipe the tears because he's laughing so hard. The pilots were being good sports with Chloe, but the ballroom is consumed by laughter.
Meredith: AJ, why are you laughing so hard?
AJ: Look at Tom Boone! He'd die if he knew how undignified he looks!
Meredith: AJ, I'm going to the ladies room. Francesca, would you care to come with me?
Francesca: What's that about?
Meredith: I want you to go over to the band and request a song for Admiral Chegwidden from his fiancée. Then tell them it's the Bunny Hop!
Francesca: Oh, Meredith, he'll never do it.
Meredith: You leave that to me.
The band slowed things down and the dance floor filled up. Webb, of course, escorted the lovely Elizabeth Perkins out on to the floor and danced a perfect "Cha Cha" number to Frankie Avalon's "Venus". AJ and Meredith danced. Tiner and Jennifer, Sturgis and Bobbi Lathom were entwined for several songs. Victor and Gloria led the whole floor doing the Electric Slide. Bud and Harriet danced several slow dances, with AJ between them. As soon as the next set of slow songs began, Alex reached for Francesca's hand. Alex and Webb seemed to have a little competition going to see which one was the better dancer. Francesca didn't seem to notice Webb's dancing at all. She was noticing Alex; Alex's eyes never left her face.
Francesca: Do you like American oldies?
Alex: I like a variety of music.
Francesca: Are you familiar with any of this music?
Alex: With you in my arms, I could be dancing to drum beats of a jungle tribe in Indonesia.
Francesca: I'll bet you say that to all the girls.
Alex: I'll bet I don't.
The band kicked into an instrumental set of Big Band tunes, including a Glenn Miller medley.
AJ: Meredith, let's go. Let's show these kids how this is done.
Meredith: Okay.
Tom Boone: Trish, think I could take Frank's place on the dance floor with you?
Trish: Frank?
Frank: Go ahead, sweetie. It's Harm's wedding! Dance!
The trumpet blasted out the first few bars of "In the Mood".
AJ and Meredith and Tom and Trish jitterbugged all over the dance floor. The couples in their twenties and thirties looked on in astonishment as these two couples were joined by several couples in their sixties and seventies who just were swinging all over the place. Then, of course, not to be outdone, Clayton Webb grabbed Betsy and had a go at it. Webb even picked her up and swung her down between his legs.
Mac: Careful of that dress, Webb.
Harm: What are you talking about?
Mac: He'd better not swing her around too much, she's liable to pop right out of that dress.
Harm: And they said our wedding wouldn't be memorable!
Joe the bandleader stepped up to the mike.
Joe: Admiral Cheg----widden, did I get that pronunciation right? Well Admiral, we've had a request for a special song for you from your fiancée. Since you had so much energy on that jitterbug number, you'll be ready for this one. The rest of you can join us here. Just form a line.
Admiral: I don't line dance.
Joe: I'll bet you're from the era that had sock hops.
Admiral: So?
Joe: Ready guys?
The band begins to play the "Bunny Hop"
Admiral Chegwidden shakes his head "NO". Meredith puts her hands on his hips and says, "Lead, Sailor"
Being an uncharacteristically good sport, Admiral leads one circle of the Bunny Hop, especially after his namesake gets in line behind Meredith. How many dances can kids do at a wedding?
Bandleader: This is an anonymous request for a "Sexy Beast" I hope we can do it justice without a female singer.
Nobody does it better Makes me feel sad for the rest Nobody does it half as good as you Baby, you're the best.
I wasn't looking But somehow you found me I tried to hide from your love light But like heaven above me The spy who loved me Is keeping all my secrets safe tonight
And nobody does it better Though sometimes I wish someone could Nobody does it quite the way you do Why'd you have to be so good
The way that you hold me Whenever you hold me There's some kind of magic inside you That keeps me from running But just keep it coming How'd you learn to do the things you do
And nobody does it better Makes me feel sad for the rest Nobody does it half as good as you Baby, baby, darling you're the best.
Baby you're the best.
Once again, Clayton Webb led the dancing, never letting on that the song was for him
Mac: Harm, did you request that song?
Harm smiles.
Mac: Webb and Betsy or Elizabeth or whatever she's called at this function look very comfortable together, don't you think?
Harm: Look at the way he's looking at her.
Admiral: Harm, you used to look at Mac like that and assured us that you were just friends.
Harm: I looked like that?
Harriet: You looked more moonstruck than that.
Bud: Check out Alex and Francesca. There's some heat!
Admiral: I beg your pardon?
Bud: What I meant to say, sir, is that I'm sure they are warm from dancing so much.
Admiral: Why can't she like an American?
Harm: Want me to introduce her to Keeter?
Admiral: No aviators.
Mac: I think John Farrow is still here.
Admiral: I'm beginning to develop a taste for vodka.
Harm: She prefers a military lawyer like her father. Isn't that preferable to an Italian businessman like her stepfather?
Admiral: Good point, Rabb. Her mother will hate him.
Meredith: Her stepmother-to-be likes him. I have it on very good authority that she's very interested in him.
Admiral: Where do you get your facts?
Meredith: From your daughter.
Harriet: Mac, it's time to toss the garter and the bouquet. Harm, let's go.
Mac sits on a chair in the middle of the dance floor. Harm gets down on one knee beside her.
Keeter: Better get used to that position, Hammer. You'll be begging for the rest of your life.
Everyone laughs.
Mac has pushed the garter down below her knee. Harm takes it off and prepares to throw it to the group of assembled bachelors behind him.
Harm: Okay, we have two engaged men in this group. Let's see if I can hit one of them.
Sergei and AJ line up toward the front. Harm turns around.
Harm: Three, two, one, BLASTOFF!
Harm tosses the garter. Admiral Chegwidden tips it toward Sergei, but Keeter reaches in at the last minute to propel it back into the air. The entire group backs away as the garter lands...on Clayton Webb's head. Webb had turned his back on the group to answer his cell phone. He reaches up and pulls a garter off his head. He looks at it, smiles, and slides it up his sleeve above his elbow.
Admiral: Mr. Webb, something you're not telling us?
Webb: So many things I'm not telling you. (Smiles).
Harriet: Okay, let's throw the bouquet and see who's the lucky girl to be married next.
Mac picks up the throwaway bouquet.
Mac: Ready girls? Meredith, how's your catch?
Meredith: I'm on the faculty softball team!
Mac: Ready? Three, two, one, BLASTOFF!
Meredith tries to catch the bouquet but trips over Galena who's also reaching for it. Diving to the ground as the bouquet almost hits the ground is.....Francesca.
Admiral: What?
Francesca lands with a thud. Alex immediately scoops her up off the floor, carries her to a chair, and begins checking her for injuries.
Bud: He's chivalrous.
Harriet: Strong.
Bud: Attentive.
Harriet: Smitten.
Bud: Okay, I think we've about covered that one.
The Admiral walks over and speaks.
Admiral: Francesca, whatever possessed you to dive for that catch?
Francesca: You taught me to love baseball, Papa`. You wouldn't want me to miss a catch like that one, would you?
Admiral mutters to himself: The bouquet or the guy?
Francesca: Either one, Papa`, either one. (Smiles)
Harm and Mac return to the dance floor as the band begins to play. Frank wheels his wheelchair out with Trish following. Frank stops the chair and pulls his wife on to his lap. He moves the chair slowly, dancing with his wife.
Trish: Frank I don't want to injure you.
Frank: Stay to one side and keep the pressure off the stitches. We'll be fine.
The band plays and Joe sings:
Look at us After all these years together Look at us After all that we've been through Look at us Still leaning on each other If you wanna see how true love should be Then just look at us
Look at you Still pretty as a picture Look at me Still crazy over you Look at us Still believing in forever If you wanna see how true love should be Then just look at us
In a hundred years from now I know without a doubt They'll all look back And wonder how We made it all work out.
Chances are We'll go down in history When they wanna see how true love should be They'll just look at us
When they wanna see how true love should be They'll just look at us.
The room exploded in applause as Frank kisses his bride and Harm kisses his.
Harm: Sarah?
Mac: Hmm?
Harm: When do we get to leave?
Mac: After we cut the cake.
Harm: Where's the knife?
Harm turns and signals Harriet to tell the band to stop playing so that they can cut the cake.
The band plays soft background music.
Harm and Mac cut the first piece of cake, place it on a plate, and cut it in half. Harm takes the carrot cake and carefully slides it into Mac's open mouth. She grabs his fingers and licks the icing off.
Harm: I'm ready to leave NOW.
Mac: It's my turn.
Harm: Be gentle.
Mac: Right.
Mac picks up the cake, and as she's trying to put it in Harm's mouth, Sturgis and Keeter shout "Boo" from behind Mac's back. She startles and pushes the cake into Harm's nose.
Harriet grabs a stack of napkins and hands them to Mac. Mac begins wiping Harm's face, trying to keep from laughing.
Harm: I owe you two. It'll be sweet too, I promise. If either one of you bozos can even get CLOSE to an altar, I will be there with revenge as a wedding gift.
Harm walks over the mike: Everybody, thank you for making today so special. Thank you each for the part you've played in our lives. Since it's time for us to open a new chapter in our lives, we think we'll get started now.
Mac: Bye!
Harriet whispers something in Mac's ear and Mac nods.
Harm and Mac walk down the hall and enter the elevator. The doors close and they embrace passionately.
Mac: Harm, somebody might get on.
Harm: No way. I pressed Express to the penthouse.
Mac: Still, you told me I could surprise you.
Harm: That I did. Okay. What's a few more minutes added to seven YEARS?
Harm opens the hotel room door.
Mac: Do NOT pick me up. The doctor said no lifting.
Harm: Mac.
Mac: Harm, I need you to do me a favor.
Harm: Anything.
Mac: Can you give me a couple of minutes to get out of this gown?
Harm: I can help you and it'll only take me a few seconds.
Mac: Harriet's coming up to help me.
Harm: Harriet?
Mac: Please don't ruin my surprise.
Harm: Okay, I'm a little sweaty from all the dancing. How about if I take a quick shower? Will that give you enough time?
Mac: Perfect.
Harm: Kiss me first.
Mac: Go.
Harm opens his sea bag and takes out a pair of silk pajama bottoms.
Harm: I'll be in here if you need me.
Mac: I'll call you if I do.
Harm closes the bathroom door.
Mac rushes to the door and opens it to Harriet carrying a bag and a fruit basket.
Mac: Fruit?
Harriet: Some bellhop gave it to me while I was waiting in the hall. I wouldn't let him knock on the door.
Mac: Who sent us fruit and champagne? Is there a card?
Harriet: No card. Maybe it's from the hotel. Let me get going on those hundred buttons.
Harriet quickly undoes Mac's gown while Mac unbuttons the sleeves.
Harriet: Are you leaving those on (eyeing Mac's strapless bra and tap pants)?
Mac: Well, I'm not taking them off in front of you.
Harriet: Afraid I'll see the infamous tatoo?
Mac: We've got to hurry. He won't take much longer. Get the fabric and wrap me up.
Harriet removes the gold lame` fabric from the bag and wraps Mac in it.
She then removes a length of red ribbon with a huge bow tied at one end.
Harriet: Why can't you just wear a nightie like every other bride?
Mac: Sturgis' dad told us to make the honeymoon a gift.
Harriet finishes tying the bow so that the fabric stays up.
Harriet: I'm out of here. You're on your own, Marine.
Mac: Harriet, take my gown. Send it to the cleaners on Monday.
Harriet grabs the gown and rushes out of the room
Harm: Can I come out now?
Mac: You sure can.
Harm walks out and sees Mac wrapped up like a Christmas present.
Harm: Well, Merry Christmas, Harm. Come here, you sweet thing.
Mac: That would be ideal, but Harriet wrapped me so tight that I can't move.
Harm: I guess I'll just have to unwrap you.
Mac: That would be the general idea.
Harm begins to walk toward her when something catches his eye.
Harm: Mac?
Mac: Yes?
Harm: Where did that basket come from?
Mac: That, oh, Harriet brought it in with her. Some bellhop was delivering it.
Harm walks past Mac and over to the basket. He tears through it, removes the label from the bottle of champagne and reveals a bug.
He holds his finger to his lips and hold up the bug with the other hand. He walks into the bathroom speaks loudly into the bug.
Harm: This is what I think of your ploy, whoever you are.
He flushes the bug down the toilet.
Mac giggles. He returns to her and slowly begins to untie her and unwind the ribbon. He throws the ribbon at the chair. Then he gently pulls one end of the fabric as Mac spins until the fabric falls to the floor. Mac reaches up to Harm and he pulls her to him when suddenly he stops.
Mac: What?
Harm puts his finger to his lips.
He walks over to the desk, pulls out a pad and pen and writes "Trust me?"
Mac nods.
Harm grabs Mac's trenchcoat, puts it on her, and walks her to the door. He looks back, picks up the ribbon and stuffs it in the pocket of his jacket. He walks back to the desk and picks up a hotel stationery envelope. He grabs both suitcases and carefully opens the door so as not to make a sound. They enter the service elevator rather than the express elevator. The doors close.
Mac: What are we doing?
Harm: I'm not taking the chance of putting on a show, sound or otherwise, for anyone.
Mac: You found the bug.
Harm: You don't think there are more?
Mac: We are never going to get this job done.
Harm: Yes we are, or I'm going to die trying. Press the button for the 3rd floor.
Mac: Why?
Harm: Because we're going down the steps from there. If someone is bugging us, they may be watching us. I don't want to go through the lobby.
Harm pulls out a pocketknife, cuts a length of ribbon, scribbles a note on the ribbon, and puts it in the envelope.
Mac: What are you doing?
Harm: Sending a note to the good chaplain.
Mac: What does it say?
Harm: That's between the chaplain and me.
The elevator stops and the two walk toward the stairs. Harm stops and puts the envelope in the old-fashioned mail slot to go down to the main desk.
They descend the stairs and walk out into the parking lot.
Harm tosses the keys to Mac.
Harm: You drive. I'm not cleared to drive yet.
Mac: Where to?
Harm: Home.
Mac: Which home?
Harm: Our home.
Mac points the car toward the farm.
0300 ZULU
Rabb Farm Loudin County, Virginia
Harm's Lexus pulls up to the darkened farmhouse. Mac parks the SUV and the two get out and walk in step up the porch steps. Harm unlocks the front door, scoops Mac into his arms and carries her across the threshold.
Mac: You could hurt yourself.
Harm: No I can't. I was born to do this.
He carries her to the bedroom, switches on the light, and notices a note on the bed. He drops Mac on the bed, picks the note up, and reads aloud:
The sheets are clean. I knew you'd come here. May tonight be the beginning of your dreams coming true. Love, Grandma
Mac sings: Fly me to the moon!
Harm croons: Off we go, into the wild blue yonder
Mac: The Air Force? Yuk!
SCENE FADES OUT.
29 March 2003
1100 ZULU
Harm is lying in bed staring into space. Mac is nestled with her head on his shoulder, sleeping peacefully. She begins to stir.
Harm: Good morning, Sarah Rabb.
Mac: Good morning. This wasn't all a dream, was it?
Harm: You can pinch me anywhere you want, or I can pinch you. I need to get my watch to see what time it is.
Mac: It's 0614.
Harm: I wonder what time we have to meet Webb.
Mac: I think at 1030, why?
Harm: Just planning my morning. Are you hungry?
Mac: I think for the first time that I'm actually satiated.
Harm: I love it when you talk that way.
Mac: I'd like to get a shower.
Harm: Lead on, Marine.
Mac: Really?
Harm: The Navy does some of its best work under the water. Don't you Marines pride yourselves in being capable of amphibious operations?
Mac: Guess you'll have to find out.
SCENE FADES.
1430 ZULU
Harm is dressed in a pair of jeans and a white cotton sweater. His hair is wet from the shower. Mac is in the bathroom.
Harm punches a phone number into his cell phone.
The call is picked up
Webb: Webb.
Harm: Good morning, Clayton. I trust you had a profitable evening.
Webb: Hello, Mother. Why don't you tell me where you are so that I can call you right back? I'm in the middle of something.
Harm: I've been called many things, Webb, but never Mother.
Webb: Well, you know how it is.
Harm: We're at the farm. We didn't think your bug was funny last night.
Webb: I'm not knowledgeable about that type of insect, Mother. We'll have to call an exterminator. I'll call you back in a few minutes. I love you too.
Harm: Well, that was weird.
Mac: What?
Mac walks into the room. She's wearing jeans, boots, and a taupe ribbed turtleneck.
Harm: Something has happened. Webb was calling me "mother" as if he didn't want anyone to know he was talking to me. We need to wait for his call.
Mac's cell telephone begins to chirp.
Harm: Don't answer it until you look at the caller ID.
Mac: It's Webb.
Mac answers the phone: Colonel MacKenzie, I mean Rabb.
Harm smiles.
Mac: Yes. No, we don't have a TV out here. Was anyone hurt? Okay. We'll wait here. Okay, then in the barn. See you in an hour. Bye.
Harm: What happened?
Mac: Our hotel room blew up at midnight last night. The people in two rooms below us were killed. The bomb was under the bed with a pressure trigger.
Harm: Who got on the bed?
Mac: No one, there was a back up timer that timed out.
Harm: So somebody tried to kill us. Who?
Mac: If you hadn't made me leave -. Let's get out of here. Make the bed and gather up our stuff. We're supposed to hide in the barn until Webb gets here. He wants us out of here ASAP.
Harm: Does my mother know?
Mac: Everybody thinks we're dead. I'm sure Webb will tell your mother when he can. They are doing DNA checks to see what parts of us they can find.
Harm: Gives new meaning to "Blast Off".
Mac: Let's go. I'll move the car.
Harm: I hope he brings us some breakfast. I feel like I've run a marathon.
Mac: Your race with me is just beginning, babe.
THE END
Author's Note: If I get enough reviews/requests, I'll write Part II. I have a minimum threshold number of reviews in mind. This takes too much time if nobody reads it. Some ideas are spinning around in my JAG obsessed mind. So many interesting characters; so little time.
